𝟏. 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧
"Greatest Lawsanite!"
"Great! "
"Greatest gbo gbo! "
"Gbo gbo"
"Greatest gba gba"
"Gba gba!"
In a world full of loud mouthed and chanting morons, I was the one who walked away first. It was impossible to find peace in this faculty. If they weren't holding some Congress in the auditorium, they were doing their Ethnic House meeting in the classrooms, chanting the same chant they chanted everywhere. Everytime!
The library was the only safe space I had but it was too hot to spend an hour pretending to read. I never read there, I couldn't.
I walked up the stairs leading to the first hallway and there was a sea of black and white. Everyday I remain grateful that I was in my 4th year in this academic pursuit, I was about ready to leave.
I stopped at the mirror. There were mirrors at every juncture in this faculty. I liked the idea, if only they were ever cleaned.
My white cotton shirt was pressed neatly, my black skirt perfect. It was only 9 in the morning, I couldn't call the shits too soon. Immediately I turned, some dude bumped into me and stepped on my shoe.
I shut my eyes to suck in a breath, "Sorry" he said before sauntering away.
I've jinxed my entire day.
It was politics season. The halls were buzzing with the latest candidates who were aspiring to acquire seats. My course mates have been waiting for this year all their lives.
They could finally run for the big positions. In the past, interested candidates have always settled for less positions like Assistant Secretary General, provost, financial secretary and the rest of them. But I knew those were just seeds, they've been planning meticulously to get the big fishes.
President, Vice president, Director of Socials, Director of Sports and the rest of them.
I was certain this politics season will be hotter than the last. Two people from my class had their eyes on the Presidential seat and one of them have been the class representative for the past 4 years.
So you see, the competition was hot!
Good thing, I haven't given a care in the world about politics. I have always ran under the radar, because who had the time for all those yelling and gyrating for some guy who had a 50/30 chance of winning the elections?
I wouldn't call myself an introvert or anything, I involved myself in few social events when it mattered. I had the perfect CGPA, and few people knew me, I was content.
I arrived the Love Garden of the faculty and exhaled a breath of frustration. It was packed up, you'd think they will all be in class, but it was quite the opposite. Everyone was here at this very hour I was.
I scanned the place and my gaze settled on the 4th quarter, there was half of a bench left empty, the rest of the space was occupied by a bunch of guys. I recognized none, I guess they were 5th year students.
I exhaled a breath before walking towards them. They didn't notice me walk in, which was a good thing. I took a seat on the cold cement and flicked open the law report in my hand.
Politics was always a big distraction, I couldn't forget exams by the corner.
"Kelvin doesn't have the balls! He dropped the deal he didn't even put effort" one of the guys said and the others agreed.
"We can't endorse Peterson. He's already with James, the opposition" Another conquered and I looked up and let out another groan.
I should have taken my chances with the Library.
"And Goodluck?" Another brought up and they all exchanged looks and said, "He'll lose" They then shared a round of laughter and I muttered, "Politics is such a drag"
The place went quiet quick and I froze, my hands on the book tightened and I slowly looked up. They all had their eyes on me.
Great!
"Politics is such a drag?" The taller dude repeated. "That's... not what I said"
"You think politics is unimportant?" Another added. "Okay, now you're putting words in my mouth" I said, shutting the book close.
"But you insinuated" another spoke up and my gaze locked with his. I've seen him few times in the hallway.
I sucked in a breath, "Aright. I'll patronize you. I think it's... a facade"
"Facade?" He repeated.
"Yeah, this is a season of pretence and foolery" I continued and they all snickered, "you know what I'm talking about. These candidates do not give two shits about any one, they just want the votes. And the really smart ones, started right from their 1st year here"
"Wow!" The 4th guy heaved.
"You know a lot" the one I slightly recognized, observed.
And I hummed, "and I couldn't care less"
I picked up my book again and they surprisingly went back to their conversation. But then I felt a presence before me, "you're perfect"
My gaze flickered upwards, "I'm Happy" he introduced, straightening his hand out to me. I lifted my brow up as I took his hand, "that's your name?"
"Yes"
"Like your birth name?"
He chuckled and we retrieved hands. "What am I perfect for?"
"Politics"
It took a second before what he said sank in. "What?"
"What do you think about becoming the LAWSAN President?"
It took another second before I let out a short laugh, "what are you talking about?"
"You seem to know a lot and... you are confident in voicing out your beliefs" he went on to say.
"Isn't that why we are studying law?"
"Good point" he agreed before dipping his hands down his pocket. "But you can only talk a big game because you haven't been in the shoes of these candidates"
"I have no desire for any office"
"Exactly, you don't care about anything"
"Okay, you don't know me" I stated. "But I know you love a challenge. I dare you to run for President"
I stared at him for a second longer, waiting for him to burst into a round of laughter. "I'm busy right now, I don't have time for games-"
"This isn't a game" he sat beside me. "You want me to run for President?"
"And become the president. As long as I have your back, you'll win"
I turned to him, my brows knotted in confusion, "but I don't want to run for anything, especially Presidency"
"You're wasting potential" he said, "I'm not wasting anything, I'm contented with my little life"
"So, why judge the past government. You can changed things, you know what needs to be changed!"
"I don't know if I'm in the position to call out the elephant in the room, but I'm a girl!" I exclaimed the obvious and they turned to me.
"And?" Happy asked and I shot him a narrowed look, "I'm done with this conversation, I'm leaving!" I got up before grabbing my bag.
"You're running"
I spun back to him, he lounged back on the bench, "you're insane. There is nothing you can do to change my mind!"
